Hi Jennifer --

Actually, I know of a similar pyschological case -- my best friend, when we were about 14, almost died from choking on a piece of meat. She lost consciousness and awoke in hospital. As a result, for over two years she refused to eat any solid foods. I remember going to the drugstore and she would only get a "frappe" (milkshake in Maine-speak) while the rest of us teens got burgers, fries -- the whole "healthy" teen-chow.

She was seeing a pyschologist, too -- but it took ages for her to gather enough courage to try even soft foods. Even now, 45 years later, she eats v-e-r-y slowly and carefully and takes abnormally small bites.

Your husband should be seeing a nutritionist and getting advice from that end as well -- ask your oncologist to make a referral. Maybe also speak to his psychologist. It is hard to know what the best approach may be -- some people who go through cancer treatment become dependent on their caregivers and essentially are compliant with requests; others are resentful and defiant about their status and refuse advice, even that which is obviously in their best interests. Your husband's pyschologst may have insights on this.

Some people have had success with regaining taste (an important part of wanting to eat) by taking Zinc supplements, others from acupuncture. Sounds as if you will to be the proactive one and research these options.

Best luck,
Gail